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The Royal Show at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire (1 – 4 July) is to close to the public a day early because the showground and car park areas have become saturated by rainfall.
The all-weather arena struggles to cope with the rain. Photo by Mandy Hughes
However, the equestrian competitions will continue so that Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualifying rounds can be completed.
The decision to cancel the last day (Wednesday 4 July) for all but the equestrian competitions, was taken by the honorary show director Mark Spencer on health and safety grounds.
Mr Spencer said: “We are very disappointed to have made the decision to end the show a day early but are sure everyone will understand that safety is paramount.”
He said he and his chief stewards had consulted health and safety officers, Warwickshire police, and viewed Met Office forecasts before arriving at the decision.
He explained: “We managed showground and car parking ground conditions before and during the first three days of the show, spreading large amounts of wood chips, chatter and straw. However, continuing heavy rain showers mean the ground could not take any more water.”
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“Our stewards are intent on running the equestrian competitions on the higher, and therefore drier, ground to ensure those competing in HOYS qualifying rounds are not disappointed,” he added.
www.royalshow.org.uk
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